How glutamine metabolism affects muscle stem cell function and aging

Glutamine-driven "bidirectional" metabolism regulates muscle stem cell function

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11170828

This study is looking at how a substance called glutamine affects muscle stem cells as we get older, and it hopes to find out if boosting glutamine can help these cells work better, which could lead to new ways to treat muscle loss in older adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11170828 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of glutamine metabolism in muscle stem cells and how it changes with age. By analyzing metabolic pathways, the study aims to understand how glutamine contributes to energy generation and cell viability in these stem cells. The researchers will explore whether restoring glutamine metabolism can improve the function of aged muscle stem cells, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for age-related muscle degeneration.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing muscle degeneration or related conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger and do not have any muscle-related issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance muscle regeneration and function in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic pathways in stem cells, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.